Patent · US Active

Capacitive data transfer in an electronic lock and key assembly

US9710981B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
184References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 5, 2015
Grant dateJul 18, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 28, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/8081
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.